The Wizardry of Oz
The Sydney Opera House: Has the world baying for an encore

Within us all, whether we deign to acknowledge it or not, there lurks this eager beaver always seeking with the precision of a guided missile all that is adventurous and rejuvenating for the soul. And if your heart yearns for exotic locales, cordial locals and scenic beauty arguably incomparable to anywhere else on the globe that is sought, where better to head off to than the land down under, Australia?!! From sun-kissed beaches to heavenly horizons to undulating rainforests scattered across the length and breadth of this isle, it boasts a rich fusion of culture as wide ranging as its topography. But I felt like an infinitesimal speck of dust or a boat sans its rudder in a nation as mammoth as this, as I sprang a foot-and-a-half into the air, courtesy a titanic ripple across my back. “G’day Mate!”, was the good natured greeting thrown in my direction by Brendan, a man of floppy hair, diminutive stature and a smile wider than the SCG. I instantly took a liking to this affable Aussie and knew that my trip would only get better from this point on.

Sydney is a city steeped in heritage, having trudged a long mile since its days as a convict colony when it housed a total of 568 male and 191 female convicts, who resided in huts erected using slender twigs and plastered with clay. Such was the history of the region that free settlers did not begin arriving until the year 1793. “Well, Sydney is Australia’s oldest city, not to mention the powerhouse that drives its economy and the continent’s true capital, at least in spirit.” As we drafted our plan of action, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the fascinating conflux of the grey hairs and burning-red Mohawks before me. No edifice is as emblematic of a city as the Sydney Opera House, a unique centre for the performing arts and one of the most distinguished 20th century buildings to exist today, spherical-sectioned shells and all. “Y’know, the doe reminds me of an armada of boats with their sails all puffed out,” was the clipped declaration from my mate that exuded intellect unparalleled.

Not normally enticed by the overtures of the Opera, I felt the irresistible lure of this masterpiece reel me in and realised I wasn’t alone, for thousand others throng this legendary structure without ever having evinced an interest in the fine vocal arts it houses! Another institution of this laid back, all-encompassing metropolis is the Sydney Harbour Bridge, an awe-inspiring sight that also affords a breathtaking vista of the Opera House, the two in conjunction being instantly evocative of Sydney and Australia the world over. “Yeah the Coathanger is quite reminiscent, isn’t it?” was the statement that drew instant guffaws from me as I was in equal measures bewildered and a tad appalled at the unknown lexicon my garrulous guide had opted to throw my way. “Well, it is arch-like, right?” came the ready riposte in perceived defence but I was too overwhelmed by the splendour that lay sprawled to be sucked into a verbal joust!

To his credit though, Brendan did suggest that I ought to take in the view from Pylon Lookout, a nerve wracking 200-step ordeal, which is worth every frayed nerve given the scintillating view it presents; of the city, the harbour, and of course Sydney Opera House. My vantage point put me on a high in more ways than one, and I left intoxicated by the headiness of it all! To drop into Sydney and not pay homage to Bondi Beach would have been tantamount to sacrilege, for it is a stretch of sand whose reputation far exceeds any stretch of the imagination, and certainly its solitary kilometre in length. Ubercool to the extent that it has its own gol course, life’s the veritable beach for those fortunate enough to be locals and frequent visitors. If it’s good enough for the Baywatch babes, it sure is good enough for me! “I don’t know if you’re interested in that sort of thing, but there are some unbelievably fascinating great aboriginal rock engravings within the golf course.” Such affirmations tendered a good excuse to take a welcome breather from the sport they term as a good-walk-spoilt, and after soaking in a tad bit of history it was time for us to saunter along to our next destination. Time and tide await no man, nor do the rollicking waves of surreal surf that lap at the feet of sun-worshippers in the state of Queensland! Visitors are always accorded the royal treatment, and within a multitude of tasks that can be penned on the vacationer’s to-do list, there is no dearth of delights to revel in, irrespective of whether you desire to play hyperactive holidaymaker or choose to practice the fine art of procrastination.

Of greatest importance on my agenda was the Great Barrier Reef-the largest coral reef on the planet-measuring 2000 kilometres in length! It’s a spectacle truly out of this world in more ways than one… for this colossus can be seen even from space! “The Reef is a finely-tuned ecosystem of about 900 islands and over 3000 coral reefs lying close to the mainland. This rich biodiversity overshadows the fact that it is the single largest organism in the world, comprising as it does of many millions of tiny organisms!,” was the rat-a-tat prattle from Brendan that left me suitably impressed – both at the marvel of nature that is the Great Barrier Reef and the virtuoso of verbosity that was Brendan! Encompassing a motley mash of pleasures to be perused is the Gold Coast, cradling in its lap diverse delights such as sun baked sands and bushwalking in subtropical rainforests studded with mountain villages exuding an old-world charm. “Purely anecdotal, but speaking of bushwalking, Australia’s most famous bushranger was called Ned Kelly, considered by many a hero for his stoic defiance of authoritarian regimes. There is even a movie based on his life, called The Kelly Gang,” was the titillating tit bit of trivia thrown my way, one which I happened to be suitably aware of already!

Suffice to say that I had struck gold on this coast, that is a sublime sanctuary to a treasure trove waiting to be unlocked. The surprises (pleasant ones, mind you!) never stop coming and another I inadvertently stumbled upon was Fraser Island, a giant sand island famed for its native dingoes, flora and fauna and panoramic beauty. “It’s a little known fact that it is listed as a World Heritage site, not to say an eco-tourism venue of renown,” blared Brendan as though I needed to be sold on this mesmerizing region. I was left with a tinge of disappointment that I couldn’t see this lovely getaway in its entirety, but a taste of a slice of the region held me captive, so much so that I knew I would sure as hell be revisiting this capricious continent. Come to think of it, that is the overwhelming feeling that runs through my mind as I prepare to take my flight and head off to home sweet home. Brendan himself was humour and cordiality epitomized as he sent me off in the warmest manner possible, and you know what they say about last impressions being lasting impressions! I was baited hook, line and sinker by the plethora of exotica that I had gorged upon, and a part of me knew very well that I would one day return to innocence…

Ridin’ away to Morocco!

It may not be the first place to come to your mind when you plan out a surfing trip, but those interested in ample spots for catching a good wave, without the habitual horde of surfers, can move towards the Moroccan surfing central Agadir and then 15 kms north to Tamraght. Set at the feet of the awe-inspiring Atlas Mountains, Tamraght’s surfing season begins this month and offers heaps of sunshine, untouched unblemished sandy beaches, where the soft break at Banana Point is ideal for beginners, while the Boilers should suit the taste of the dare devils more! And after you’re tired of riding the waves, join an off -road biking trip or a camel safari and enjoy a ride through the mountains, dunes, Berber villages, ancient Kasbahs…

Come alive at the Festival of the Dead!

The lily-livered may consider staying miles away from Japan during August 12-15 as the locals celebrate the Festival of the Dead when the souls of the long departed return to their families. Tokushima City is undoubtedly the best place to touch down upon to experience this ‘spirit’ed festival. As thousands of people dressed in their summer kimonos perform the Awa Odori Dance, accompanied by the melody of drums, bells and flutes, it’s a breathtaking experience for the tourists and believed to be a calming catharsis even for the formless visitors. As darkness envelopes the town, lanterns are lit up at homes and temples, aft er which paper lanterns glowing with candlelight are set afloat onto the waters to guide the spirits tracing their way back to the other realm of the world… At morn, continue this spiritual sojourn by trekking up to Mt. Bizan and let the clean air, quiet and beauty sweep over your soul…

A tale of two cities

It’s the perfect story – two heroes side by side – one’s rich, glamorous and highly regarded by all, while the other hails from humbler environs and is at best known for his pleasant comportment. On the coast of Normandy, two such resorts fit these roles precisely and make for an ideal getaway. Dress your best when at Deauville’s Promenade des Planches and indulge in the frivolities abounding in its casinos, race tracks, yachts... Meanwhile, Deauville’s charming cousin Trouville-sur-Mer, barely a shouting distance away, offers an edenic beach, a dockside market, casinos and grand villas. But on August 10, hordes of tourists abandon Deauville’s racetracks for Trouville’s donkey derby! Amidst the furious betting and excitement, for once, the humble burros outshine the thoroughbreds and become the heroes!

Gluttons, all aboard!

Come August 12, Guadeloupe transforms into every glutton’s heaven. After early morning orisons to St. Lauren that commence the Festival of the Women Cooks, the cuisinières clad in colourful Creole costumes burst on to the streets with baskets of tempting Creole delicacies dangling from their arms. Offering a bite or two to the bystanders lining the Point-à-Pitre, they parade on till the venue of the colossal feast is thrown open to the public for a fee that seems utterly insignificant when you rest your sight upon the lavish spread just waiting to be gorged! For those with little appetite for gastronomic pleasures, the Guadeloupe Islands offer enough eye candy with pristine beaches, bewitching tropical gardens, hot springs and waterfalls to marvel at and enshrine in memories moulded in this charming corner of the Caribbean... It doesn’t get more wholesome than this!

A cultural explosion!

As if Edinburgh’s charming countryside, its castles, rolling hills and the Rosslyn Chapel just seven miles south, known to most – thanks to The Da Vinci Code – as the guardian of the secret of the Holy Grail, weren’t sufficient to lure tourists from far and wide, the three-week long Edinburgh International Festival starting August 13 shall certainly draw in millions of them! About a dozen festivals descend upon Scotland’s capital city boasting of the best of classical music, theatre, opera, dance and then some more! Starbucks Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Art Festival and scores more make up this extravaganza, where the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest of all with 28,014 performances constituting 1,867 shows in 261 venues lined up for 2006! While Edinburgh International Book Festival is the biggest in the world, Edinburgh International Film Festival offers us the chance to be in the company of the nonesuch Sean Connery, dazzling Charlize Theron and the sultry Sigourney Weaver. Once you’ve had enough of the events, go and get a pint of beer for yourself at one of the pubs and party away with the Scots till the wee hours of the morning…